Charles Harpur (Reply)

Two hundred years ago (and a month) Charles Harpur was born. Harpur is my favourite poet, an Australian colonial poet who was not of his time. Even back then, his tastes and influences were anachronistic. Given that Harpur and his influences are the largest influence on my own poetry two hundred years later, I'm not sure what that makes me.

Bicentennial. I was only planning to post my own poems here, but given the occasion I think I can make an exception. Or more than once exception, even.

The following two sonnets speak to me deeply. They speak to the best in me; they speak to the worst in me.

---

Self-Liberty

I would not be dependent, even for love,On man or woman. Nay, I would - I willBe as the eagles through the heavens that moveBoundlessly free, though separate. And as stillA torrent, dashing from its native hill,Doth make it's own best way, be't mine to grooveMy individual world-path, and approveIt's lonely fitness with a sovereign thrill!Thus large must be my freedom, for the needIs in my nature and defies dispute,Even as a bent peculiar to its breedConstrains yon tree to bear its proper fruit:And though the pliant deem me a strange brute,What care I? bring thus myself indeed!

---

Self-Dependence

I who write this have practised what I preach -Have the hard road of Self-Dependence trod:And all who unto herohood would reachMust in themselves trust only - under God!And what a glorious thing is labor! whichFor manly freedom manfully undergone,O'er all defection (while it maketh rich)Will give us victory, though we stand alone!Let us not lean on friends. - I once believedMyself in many - would I had in none!And why should any risk the being deceived,When not to trust is not to be undone!Yet, though thus Self-Dependent, tow'rds our KindBear we at least an equitable mind.